Other crap that might be important- Ships in Q4 2018 / Q1 2019- Shipping is a little more expensive because I'm basically shipping hunks of metal here. I'll be using custom cut foam and boxes. Every package is insured. - If you opt for laser engraving, please send an email to contact@switchplate.co with your engraving in an Adobe illustrator file or DXF. - No, I cannot declare you board to customs as a $10 gift. - Closes Friday July 29th

What are the pros / cons of the different anodization? I literally have no idea.

So there are two types of anodization that is offered. Type II, which is the traditional kind, and type III which is hard anodization.

The main advantage that type III has over Type II is the durability. It's basically a hard coat that both builds both inwards and outwards from the surface. On the other hand, traditional anodization (type II) only builds inwards from the surface. Though it is not as hard, as type III ano, it can be anodized in many colors while on the other hand, type III ano is usually limited to darker colors. In this case, it will only be available in black because of the possibility of inconsistency with other colors.

Do you have a colour sample of the dark blue. Saw the Pantone colour but not sure how it'll turn out. Any ideas if it'll look close to mid night blue?

I have color samples that arrive tomorrow. The rep from the factory has given me pics of the color sample though the lighting isn't great and it doesn't quite show the colors too well. I'll take a proper picture tomorrow with some proper lighting.

You mentioned you ordered another prototype, I don't suppose it was one that shows what the mirrored number pad will look like?

Anyway, I have two orders in so far. This is my dream board

This is the only pic I have of the proto at the moment which should be arriving tomorrow. This the board with the revised weight in 7075 Hard Ano black and has the half plate option with a mirrored numpad in the lighter of the blue colors. Again, I need to take a proper picture since I dont really think that this represents the color super great.

Additionally, below is the PCB, designed by ai03. Production PCB will be in white/black. Something really neat that I had requested was the top left cluster of three switches. The last photo shows a set of jumpers that can be used so that they either function as normal LEDs for backlighting or as indicators for num, caps, and scroll lock.

Is that PCB ALPs compatible?Might consider buying another one if it's ALPS.

The PCB is alps compatible. You would need a fixed layout alps specific plate for it which I would recommend getting laser cut at one of the community vendors. I can help you with the design or dimensions of the plate if you decide to go down that route.

Is that PCB ALPs compatible?Might consider buying another one if it's ALPS.

The PCB is alps compatible. You would need a fixed layout alps specific plate for it which I would recommend getting laser cut at one of the community vendors. I can help you with the design or dimensions of the plate if you decide to go down that route.

Can you (as GB leader) get it cut and sell it to me instead? Carbon Fibre etc. I'm happy to add monies.

Do you have a colour sample of the dark blue. Saw the Pantone colour but not sure how it'll turn out. Any ideas if it'll look close to mid night blue?

I have color samples that arrive tomorrow. The rep from the factory has given me pics of the color sample though the lighting isn't great and it doesn't quite show the colors too well. I'll take a proper picture tomorrow with some proper lighting.

Is that PCB ALPs compatible?Might consider buying another one if it's ALPS.

The PCB is alps compatible. You would need a fixed layout alps specific plate for it which I would recommend getting laser cut at one of the community vendors. I can help you with the design or dimensions of the plate if you decide to go down that route.

Can you (as GB leader) get it cut and sell it to me instead? Carbon Fibre etc. I'm happy to add monies.

At the moment, I have laser places on hand here in the states that will do acrylic. I dont have a CF place here or overseas but if you can find one, I can organize and design an alps plate for you at an extra cost.

Just wanted to put this up so you guys can get an idea of what the hard ano is like. Compared to the traditional anodization which is being done at an already fine grit, this produces a very finely matted anodized finish. Because of the nature of hard ano, the texture of the sandblasting is not preserved as it is a finish that both builds on and consumes the material. On the other hand, the traditional anodizing process results in a more glossy, shiny finish that is heavily dependent on sandblasting.

Also, color samples. I would say that this, plus the picture at the top best represents the colors that are to be expected. This one is taken outside and the colors are mostly accurate. Red and light blue will appear less saturated. The dark blue though is a little more saturated and more blue than it would appear in this picture. The sample at the top better represents the colors in non-direct sunlight.

And finally, a lot of people who have already joined have decided to go the way of the heaviest configuration possible, can I can assure you, it's damn heavy. I would say 10ish lbs completely built.

Just wanted to put this up so you guys can get an idea of what the hard ano is like. Compared to the traditional anodization which is being done at an already fine grit, this produces a very finely matted anodized finish. Because of the nature of hard ano, the texture of the sandblasting is not preserved as it is a finish that both builds on and consumes the material. On the other hand, the traditional anodizing process results in a more glossy, shiny finish that is heavily dependent on sandblasting.

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Also, color samples. I would say that this, plus the picture at the top best represents the colors that are to be expected. This one is taken outside and the colors are mostly accurate. Red and light blue will appear less saturated. The dark blue though is a little more saturated and more blue than it would appear in this picture. The sample at the top better represents the colors in non-direct sunlight.

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And finally, a lot of people who have already joined have decided to go the way of the heaviest configuration possible, can I can assure you, it's damn heavy. I would say 10ish lbs completely built.

I ordered the dark blue and that sample doesn't match what I expected from the Pantone color at all which is worrying. It looks purple on all 3 of my monitors. Is this subject to change? Can we get more pictures that do it justice otherwise I think I may like to change my color choice.

Just wanted to put this up so you guys can get an idea of what the hard ano is like. Compared to the traditional anodization which is being done at an already fine grit, this produces a very finely matted anodized finish. Because of the nature of hard ano, the texture of the sandblasting is not preserved as it is a finish that both builds on and consumes the material. On the other hand, the traditional anodizing process results in a more glossy, shiny finish that is heavily dependent on sandblasting.

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Also, color samples. I would say that this, plus the picture at the top best represents the colors that are to be expected. This one is taken outside and the colors are mostly accurate. Red and light blue will appear less saturated. The dark blue though is a little more saturated and more blue than it would appear in this picture. The sample at the top better represents the colors in non-direct sunlight.

Show Image

And finally, a lot of people who have already joined have decided to go the way of the heaviest configuration possible, can I can assure you, it's damn heavy. I would say 10ish lbs completely built.

I ordered the dark blue and that sample doesn't match what I expected from the Pantone color at all which is worrying. It looks purple on all 3 of my monitors. Is this subject to change? Can we get more pictures that do it justice otherwise I think I may like to change my color choice.

I wouldn't say that it's purple, but in certain lighting conditions, it's very much like a dark grey-blue. In direct sunlight, its a very saturated blue color.

Finally found some time to throw a mock-up of this thing together and the mirrored numpad might actually be a really nice thing to have. Again, some people mentioned that having the thumb above the 2u zero which I didn't really think of till I gave it a go. Certainly feels more natural than the standard layout though some of the functions (like the numpad arrows) aren't as intuitive as it's mirrored.

Finally found some time to throw a mock-up of this thing together and the mirrored numpad might actually be a really nice thing to have. Again, some people mentioned that having the thumb above the 2u zero which I didn't really think of till I gave it a go. Certainly feels more natural than the standard layout though some of the functions (like the numpad arrows) aren't as intuitive as it's mirrored.

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It's really interesting that you also mirrored the number keys. I've ordered two mirrored plates and I was planning on keeping the numbers in the non-mirrored position and mirroring everything else. This seemed most natural to me.

Anyone else get a refund this morning without warning?Edit: Nevermind - I had to cancel and reorder to change colors and for some reason i just now got the paypal email stating that from a few days ago.

If you chose to have a brass weight, I'm sure you could make some kind of transparent insert.

well, if you get no weight, i think the case bottom is the same, no?

or can i save $120 and not have a giant hole in the bottom of my case

oh my god i just looked at the album of renders and stuff and i feel like a big idiot

No, if you don't choose a weight, no hole is made in the bottom of the case. It's one solid piece. It says on the product page: 'Weight is integrated into the design of the case. "Without weight" specifies a solid aluminum bottom.'

If you chose to have a brass weight, I'm sure you could make some kind of transparent insert.

well, if you get no weight, i think the case bottom is the same, no?

or can i save $120 and not have a giant hole in the bottom of my case

oh my god i just looked at the album of renders and stuff and i feel like a big idiot

No, if you don't choose a weight, no hole is made in the bottom of the case. It's one solid piece. It says on the product page: 'Weight is integrated into the design of the case. "Without weight" specifies a solid aluminum bottom.'

If you chose to have a brass weight, I'm sure you could make some kind of transparent insert.

Yep I did choose the weight option. Anyone know of anyone who does diffusers like this? Does the SP PCB have underglow?

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From the prototype board above, the layout doesn't seem to support surface mount RGB leds. Maybe there's a spot for them and I'm just not seeing them. Anyway, to make diffuse would be really simple, you just measure the hole size (from the inside) and the height and then laser cut a piece of acrylic to fit in that spot and screw in via the screw holes. Won't sit flush with the bottom side, but I guess that wouldn't matter so much.